Miami's dynamic Johnson the focus for Florida State’s defense

By Brad Milner | News Herald Writer

Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 03:50 PM.

“I see some really close things for those guys in developing and making plays,” Fisher said.

Fitting in: FSU’s Christian Jones has been used as a hybrid on defense this season and has now settled in at defensive end. The use of Jones in a three-point stance is a reflection of defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt’s diverse scheme. Players have been moved around to give opponents various looks and Jones has shined in his new role. Terrance Smith sees the brunt of work at strong side linebacker.

Jones was FSU’s top returning tackler and is third this season with 33 tackles. Lining him up at defensive end has bolstered a position that lacked a pass rush in early games.

Jones is tied for second on the team with two two sacks, both coming in the last two games. At 6-4, 235 pounds, Fisher said Jones is versatile with effective use of his speed off the corners while still possessing solid skills at his native position.

“No doubt, he’s great on the end of the ball,” Fisher said. “He can rush, he can play the run very well. He’s a problem for players on the other side of the ball.”

TALLAHASSEE — There were a few names on the short list of running backs to watch in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season. One of them wears No. 8 for Miami and he hasn’t disappointed.

Duke Johnson is second in the ACC with 823 yards rushing, 6.7 per carry, while scoring six touchdowns. He also has amassed 380 yards on kickoff returns and is the ACC’s all-purpose leader at 182.9 per game.

Third-ranked FSU (7-0, 5-0) will contend with Johnson and a veteran offensive line that features two senior and two junior starters and an average weight of 313 pounds. Miami’s offense is more similar to Pittsburgh and Boston College than the spread attacks the Seminoles have faced the past three games.

There is an emphasis on the run with the Hurricanes second in the ACC with 214 yards per game. Johnson is the catalyst with three games of more than 160 yards rushing, including 168 and two touchdowns in a comeback win over Wake Forest last week.

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said the Seminoles, who are third in the ACC in allowing 135 yards rushing per game, must be strong up front in the attempt to slow down Johnson and the Hurricanes, who also have capable reserve running backs that have combined for 601 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“You’ve got to be able to shed blockers and use your hands,” Fisher said. “They’re very good on the offensive line.

“We’re going to have to be physical. We’re going to have to give different looks and different combinations. We’ll have to man up, there’s no doubt.”

As far as what to do about Johnson, Fisher said FSU must remain disciplined and avoid long plays. He’s aware Johnson might be the best running back FSU has faced thus far, which was reinforced by hearing Fisher and players talk about the 5-foot-9, 196-pounder.

“What doesn’t he do well? We’d have a shorter conversation,” Fisher said. “He’s dynamic. He gets in space. He changes numbers on the scoreboard. He makes you miss.

“He’s strong. He’s got great balance and body control. (He) catches the ball out of the backfield and he blocks. That guy is a competitor and a complete football player. He is one heck of a football player.”

“I really believe in our team and how we’re playing,” Brooks said. “We prepare the same way. We don’t fear him at all. We’re not intimidated at all.

“He has to come to play and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna come to play so it shouldn’t be a problem. For the most part, I know we’re gonna handle business.”

Johnson rushed for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns in only five starts as a freshman. He was held to 27 yards on nine carries in FSU’s 33-20 win in Coral Gables last season. His low this season is 59 twice, once in a close victory over Florida the other against Savannah State when production wasn’t crucial in a blowout victory.

Reserves thrive with schedule: Some of Florida State’s backups might not have a chance to play Saturday against Miami, but if they do Fisher said they’ll be ready.

FSU has produced six blowouts victories and a 14-point win against pesky Boston College. The routs have helped Fisher insert second- and third-stringers, many of them younger players seeking game experience. The opportunity to put more players on the field builds depth, Fisher said, and makes him more confident should an injury befall a starter.

Backup quarterback Jacob Coker has logged quality minutes, most recently against North Carolina State’s first-team defense in a 32-point win last weekend. Freshman Jesus Wilson has been used as a backup punt returner and has a higher average than starter Kenny Shaw. Reserves and those in a rotation on defense also have been seeing extensive work with E.J. Levenberry seventh on the team with 22 tackles and five other nonstarters posting at least 10 stops.

“I saw a lot of growth that I think will help them down the road,” Fisher said. “It will help our football team because those guys you count on in the long run.

“It’s critical for your success down the road, having to substitute guys and deal with injuries. Getting them actual playing time and getting them quality reps is critical.”

Coker has been inserted with the outcomes already settled. However, Fisher maintains he could perform well if he had to start because of an injury to Jameis Winston. Coker is completing 52 percent of his passes for 230 yards.

“I see some really close things for those guys in developing and making plays,” Fisher said.

Fitting in: FSU’s Christian Jones has been used as a hybrid on defense this season and has now settled in at defensive end. The use of Jones in a three-point stance is a reflection of defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt’s diverse scheme. Players have been moved around to give opponents various looks and Jones has shined in his new role. Terrance Smith sees the brunt of work at strong side linebacker.

Jones was FSU’s top returning tackler and is third this season with 33 tackles. Lining him up at defensive end has bolstered a position that lacked a pass rush in early games.

Jones is tied for second on the team with two two sacks, both coming in the last two games. At 6-4, 235 pounds, Fisher said Jones is versatile with effective use of his speed off the corners while still possessing solid skills at his native position.

“No doubt, he’s great on the end of the ball,” Fisher said. “He can rush, he can play the run very well. He’s a problem for players on the other side of the ball.”